Eagles DT Jalen Carter Avoids Suspension After Spitting Incident on Dak Prescott

Jalen Carter, entering the third year of his career, was one of the biggest weapons in the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive armor.

Eagles DT Jalen Carter Avoids Suspension After Spitting Incident on Dak Prescott

Jalen Carter, Dak Prescott (Images via The Philadelphia Inquirer/SI)

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The start of the NFL season was not without drama. The defending champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, defeated their division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, in a close encounter marred by weather delays and salacious fights.

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the Spitgate. After the opening kickoff, defensive lineman Jalen Carter had a heated interaction with the Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott amid an injury delay caused by Eagles fullback Ben VanSumeren.

As the players separated, Carter spat on Prescott, who didn’t wait to escalate the matter. Video of the incident showed Prescott spitting near the Eagles’ huddle as trainers tended to a teammate.

Carter responded moments later, which was spotted by an official who swiftly enforced the penalty. Although it was expected that the league to suspend the lineman for his actions, a source told Jarrett Bell and Mike Freeman of USA Today that he may be let go with a fine. However, the suspension is not fully off the table. Carter later apologized, acknowledging his mistake and promising to learn from it:

It was a mistake that happened on my side, and it just won’t happen again. I feel bad, just for my teammates and the fans out there. It won’t happen again. I made that promise.

After a slow start in his rookie season, Carter rose to fame in the 2024 season. He started fifteen games, and his production became more well-rounded. His tackles went up from 33 to 42, and TFLs rose to 12. Although his sacks saw a slight dip, he transitioned from situational pass rusher to every-down defender, sacrificing some sack production but gaining balance and reliability.

Carter’s absence significantly altered Philadelphia’s defensive approach, with Prescott himself noting that Dallas adjusted its blocking schemes once Carter was removed. The Cowboys were able to rush for 121 yards and average nearly six yards per carry through three quarters before the Eagles regrouped late. Nevertheless, it wasn’t enough to secure a win.

Adam Schefter believes that the Jalen Carter incident will test the NFL’s zero-tolerance policy

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the decision could come quickly. Speaking during the season’s first edition of NFL Countdown, Schefter highlighted the uncertainty that currently surrounds the case but also pointed out that Carter may avoid suspension.

During the spring league meeting, NFL executive vice president Troy Vincent warned coaches, GMs and executives that there would be, as one source recalled, zero tolerance for acts that demean the game.

Jalen Carter
Jalen Carter (Image via AP)

Schefter claimed that the league consider the ejection from the game itself could be reason enough for Carter to avoid suspension. He added:

The league would come down hard on any violations. Now, we saw what happened Thursday night with Jalen Carter and Dak Prescott. The belief around the league is that Jalen Carter did serve time. He missed the entire game. The punishment in the past has been a fine. No player has been suspended. We’ll see how the league decides to handle this, but a ruling should come down Monday.

That perspective provides some context for how the league might weigh its decision. While Carter’s actions fall under the category of “demeaning the game,” precedent suggests the NFL has historically leaned toward fines rather than suspensions in such situations. The fact that Carter’s ejection kept him sidelined for the entire contest could also be factored in as a de facto punishment.

With the NFL’s ruling expected Monday, Schefter’s comments suggested that while Carter will likely face financial repercussions, a suspension remains less certain.

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